Spending Christmas with loved ones is what most of us prioritise over the holidays, with millions of us travelling far and wide to make the most of the season. But with everyone trying to get home in time for Santa or running to the shops to get those last-minute bits and pieces, you might encounter heavy traffic, long delays, or forget those essential vehicle checks before you set off.
If you’re planning a long journey this Christmas, use our helpful guide to help prepare for your travels, making sure your journey is safe – and giving you peace of mind during the festive season too!
Tips for driving home for Christmas
For a hassle-free journey, start with the following tips:
- Plan ahead to avoid delays – give yourself plenty of time for the trip to accommodate any potential delays
- Use a SatNav or maps app – apps such as Google Maps can help you plan the route and give you real-time traffic updates. Why not start a Christmas countdown with loved ones by sharing your location on the app?
- Bad weather? Drive safely – check out our top tips for driving safely in winter conditions
- Prepare for emergencies – so you’ve packed the presents, but what about if you get stuck? Pack a phone charger, ice scraper, a blanket, ump leads, snacks, and warm clothes in case you experience a breakdown or severe delays in the cold
Things to check before your journey
Christmas can be a stressful time for many of us, so it’s easy to forget the basics. Keep these tips in mind before you go to avoid any potential accidents.
Check your wipers and washers
Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and that your washer bottle is full. It can be hard to see when driving in cold weather, so give yourself time by making sure you can clear your windscreen when dirt or moisture build up. Use pre-mixed screenwash rather than water to prevent your washer fluid from freezing, and to clear mud properly.
Check your oil
Checking your oil is always vital before a long journey but is good practice anyway to ensure your engine is in correct working order.
To check your oil level, make sure you’re parked on an even surface, then open up the bonnet. Check your vehicle’s manual for instructions specific to your car’s make and model, although usually the dipstick has a yellow handle. Pull it out, wipe it down with a clean rag, and reinsert all the way into its housing. Pull it out again and take the reading. Your dipstick should have two marks indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels.
If you’d rather see a professional, check into a mechanic for a quick oil check and change before you go.
Check your engine’s coolant level
Coolant regulates your engine, providing protection during the colder months. If your engine fluid freezes, it can be devastating for your vehicle as cracks can form in the engine. Makre sure to check your coolant level to keep your engine running smoothly and avoiding any accidental damage further down the line.
Charge your phone
As well as storing all your questionable Christmas playlists, your phone is your lifeline if you break down or have an accident over Christmas. Keep your emergency numbers stored safely and keep a spare charging cable in the car so you can have plenty of battery in an emergency.
Check your emergency kit
Main roads and motorways can be packed over Christmas. If you’re faced with long delays, ensure you have an emergency kit with you – particularly if there’s bad weather forecast, which typically does happen in Scotland!
Re-fuel regularly
When the motorway gets busier over Christmas, the last thing you need is worrying about not making it to a petrol station – especially when it may not be open over the holidays. Don’t get caught out – make sure you have at least half a tank of fuel in your car so that you can get to your destination in time for Christmas.
Check your tyre pressure before you set off
No one wants to be stuck at the side of the road in the cold due to tyres with low pressure.
A quick check of your tyre pressure before you set off can give you peace of mind and prevent any unnecessary accidents on the way home for the holidays.
Keep yourself entertained!
It’s Christmas! Make sure you have plenty of snacks and games to keep yourselves entertained, and get those cheesy Christmas tunes on the go – maybe start with ‘Driving Home For Christmas’?
This Christmas, take some proactive steps to prepare for your journey. And if you do end up in an accident over the holiday – we’ve got you covered. From vehicle hire, repair, and supporting you through a personal injury claim, our legal elves are on hand to support you through the season.
Stay safe this Christmas!
Gildeas Solicitors is a recognised law firm specialising in personal injury claims, supporting you throughout Scotland from our offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh. We’re passionate about what we do, whilst putting our clients’ interests first. That’s why we make personal injury personal.
Considering our services? Call our dedicated New Claims team today on 0141 331 6070.